Police Say Disgruntled Neighbor Fed Dog Needles

FRENCHTOWN TWP. (WWJ/AP) – Michigan State Police say a dog had to be euthanized after swallowing needles authorities suspect were placed inside some meat by a neighbor. The dog’s owner told police on Monday that his 8-year-old Labrador retriever vomited 20 needles.

State Police Trooper Michael Petersen said the dog was put down after a veterinarian found needles embedded in the animal’s stomach and intestines.

Peterson said the neighbor told police he put the needles inside the meat to prevent the dog from coming onto his property in Monroe County’s Frenchtown Township, south of Detroit. The man previously had complained to the dog’s owner about the issue.

Peterson said the neighbor claims he didn’t realize the dog would swallow the meat.

The neighbor could face charges of killing or torturing an animal, a felony.

“It’s just a tragic story and people get kinda worked up with their neighbors,” Peterson told WWJ Newsradio 950. “I think people should just try to relax a little bit. This is obviously extreme and it’s unfortunate that it happened.”

I urge anyone who is having trouble with dogs running loose, or excessive barking to call their local animal control office or law enforcement. It is their responsibility to enforce local laws and ordinances , and in the vast majority of cases you will get satisfaction. If it happens again call again and register another complaint. If it continues to happen you can file suit against your neighbor for loss of quiet enjoyment of your property, judges are sympathetic to this problem. Don’t let the dog loving nuts affect your lifestyle, taking the law into your own hands will not work.